What the Chinese DMV learner's permit test covers

China's learner's permit test — called the 科目一 (Subject 1) — is a written exam on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. You take it at your local vehicle management office (车管所), and you must pass before you can practice driving with a licensed instructor or supervising driver. The test is entirely in Chinese, and you cannot use a translator or dictionary during the exam.

The test has 100 questions, all multiple choice. You need to score at least 90 points (90 correct answers) to pass. Each question is worth one point. The exam covers Chinese traffic regulations, road signs, vehicle safety, and what to do in emergency situations on the road.

You have 45 minutes to complete the test. Most test centers allow you to take it on a computer, though some still use paper. If you fail, you can retake it after seven days. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it.

Key Takeaways

  • The learner's permit test (科目一) is a 100-question multiple-choice exam administered entirely in Chinese at your local vehicle management office.
  • You must score at least 90 points to pass, and you have 45 minutes to complete the test.
  • The test covers Chinese traffic laws, road signs, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures — not driving skills, which are tested separately.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test after seven days, and there is no maximum number of attempts.
  • Studying the official test question bank (题库) is the most direct way to prepare, since the actual exam draws from a fixed pool of questions.

What topics appear on the test

The test is divided into several topic areas. Traffic signs and markings make up a significant portion — you need to recognize and understand what different road signs, lane markings, and traffic signals mean. Speed limits, right-of-way rules, and safe following distances are also heavily tested.

Vehicle safety and maintenance questions ask about tire pressure, brake function, seatbelts, and when a vehicle is unsafe to drive. You will also see questions about what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid, and how to safely pull over.

Driving in different conditions — rain, fog, night driving, and driving near pedestrians — appears throughout the test. Questions about parking, turning, and merging are common. There are also questions about what to do after an accident, how to report it, and your legal responsibilities at the scene.

How to study for the test

The official test question bank (题库) contains roughly 1,300 questions. The actual exam pulls 100 questions from this bank, so studying the full question bank means you have seen every possible question that could appear on test day. This is the most efficient way to prepare.

You can access the question bank through the official 12123 app (交通安全综合服务管理平台), which is the national traffic safety platform. read it, register with your ID number, and you can practice the questions for free. Many test centers also provide printed study materials or links to the question bank when you register for the test.

Most people study by working through the question bank repeatedly until they can answer 90 or more questions correctly in a practice test. Spend extra time on questions you get wrong — understanding why an answer is correct matters more than memorizing. Many test-takers study for two to four weeks before attempting the exam.

How to register for the test

You register at your local vehicle management office (车管所). Bring your ID, proof of residence, and your medical certificate (体检证明). The medical certificate comes from a designated hospital or clinic and confirms you are physically able to drive.

When you register, the office will give you a test date, usually within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation notice with the date, time, and location. Some offices allow you to register online through the 12123 app, but this varies by region — ask your local office whether online registration is available.

There is a small registration fee, typically between 35 and 50 yuan, though the exact amount varies by province. Payment is usually made at the time of registration.

What happens if you fail

If you score below 90, you fail and must retake the test. You cannot take the test again for at least seven days. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it, so you can keep retaking until you pass.

When you retake the test, you go back to the same vehicle management office and register again. You will pay the registration fee again. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt after studying the questions they missed.

After you pass the test

Once you pass Subject 1, you receive a learner's permit (学习驾驶证明) that is valid for three years. This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed instructor or, in some regions, with a supervising driver who holds a full license.

Your next step is 科目二 (Subject 2), the practical driving test. This is a skills test where you demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle — parking, turning, hill starts, and other maneuvers. You must pass Subject 2 before you can take Subject 3, which is a road test in real traffic.

You do not have to take Subject 2 when ready after passing Subject 1. Many people practice for several weeks or months before scheduling Subject 2. However, your learner's permit expires three years after you receive it, so you must complete all four subjects (written test, practical test, road test, and safety awareness test) within that window.

Common mistakes on the test

Many test-takers fail because they do not study the official question bank thoroughly. The test draws from a fixed pool of questions, so if you have not seen a question before, you are less prepared than you should be. Relying on general knowledge about driving instead of studying the specific Chinese regulations is a common reason for failure.

Another mistake is rushing through the test. You have 45 minutes for 100 questions, which is plenty of time. Read each question carefully and think about the answer before clicking. Some questions are worded in ways that can be confusing if you are reading quickly.

Not understanding Chinese traffic signs is also a frequent problem. Spend time learning what each sign looks like and what it means. If you are not a native Chinese speaker, this part of the test may take extra study time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test in English or another language?

No. The test is only offered in Chinese. If you are not fluent in Chinese, you will need to study Chinese language and traffic terminology before taking the test. Some test centers may allow a translator to accompany you, but this varies by region — contact your local vehicle management office to ask.

What if I fail the test multiple times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each time you fail, you wait seven days and register again, paying the registration fee each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts after studying the question bank thoroughly.

How long is the learner's permit valid after I pass?

Your learner's permit is valid for three years from the date you receive it. During this time, you must pass Subject 2 (practical test) and Subject 3 (road test) to get your full license. If you do not complete all tests within three years, your permit expires and you must start over with Subject 1.

Can I practice driving before I pass the test?

No. You cannot legally drive or practice driving until you have passed Subject 1 and received your learner's permit. Once you have the permit, you can practice with a licensed instructor or supervising driver.

Is there a fee for taking the test?

Yes. The registration fee is typically between 35 and 50 yuan, though the exact amount varies by province and test center. You pay this fee when you register for the test. If you retake the test, you pay the fee again.